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Exodus 15:8 - Divine breath parts sea

Exodus 15:8 - שמות 15:8

Hebrew Text

וּבְרוּחַ אַפֶּיךָ נֶעֶרְמוּ מַיִם נִצְּבוּ כְמוֹ־נֵד נֹזְלִים קָפְאוּ תְהֹמֹת בְּלֶב־יָם׃

English Translation

And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were piled up, the floods stood upright like a heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.

Transliteration

Uv'ruach apecha ne'ermu mayim, nitzvu k'mo-ned nozlim, kaf'u tehomot b'lev-yam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְר֤וּחַ אַפֶּ֙יךָ֙ נֶ֣עֶרְמוּ מַ֔יִם&nbsp
וּבְר֤וּחַ אַפֶּ֙יךָ֙ נֶ֣עֶרְמוּ מַ֔יִם&nbsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Exodus 15:8) explains that the phrase "וּבְרוּחַ אַפֶּיךָ" ("with the blast of thy nostrils") refers to the strong wind that Hashem used to split the sea. He notes that this wind was not an ordinary natural phenomenon but a miraculous intervention, as the waters stood upright like a solid wall ("נִצְּבוּ כְמוֹ־נֵד"). Rashi emphasizes that the freezing of the depths ("קָפְאוּ תְהֹמֹת") demonstrates Hashem's complete control over nature, turning the sea into a solid mass to allow Bnei Yisrael to cross safely.

Ibn Ezra's Perspective

Ibn Ezra (Exodus 15:8) focuses on the poetic imagery of the verse, interpreting "נֶעֶרְמוּ מַיִם" ("the waters were piled up") as a description of the sea’s division into towering walls. He compares this to a heap ("נֵד"), suggesting an unnatural, miraculous formation. Ibn Ezra also highlights that the congealing of the depths ("קָפְאוּ תְהֹמֹת") signifies the suspension of natural laws, reinforcing the idea that Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus) was entirely orchestrated by divine will.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 21:6) elaborates on the phrase "בְּלֶב־יָם" ("in the heart of the sea"), teaching that the sea split into twelve distinct paths, one for each tribe of Israel. The Midrash also describes how the waters solidified like glass, allowing Bnei Yisrael to see the wonders within the sea, including precious stones and marine life, as a display of Hashem’s glory.

Rambam's Philosophical Insight

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:29) discusses this verse in the context of divine providence. He explains that the splitting of the sea was not merely a physical miracle but a manifestation of Hashem’s direct involvement in guiding and protecting His people. The unnatural behavior of the waters ("נִצְּבוּ כְמוֹ־נֵד") serves as proof of divine intervention beyond the laws of nature.

Key Themes in Orthodox Jewish Thought

  • Miraculous Intervention: The verse underscores that the Exodus was achieved through open miracles, defying natural order.
  • Divine Power: The imagery of congealed depths and standing waters highlights Hashem’s absolute mastery over creation.
  • Providence: The event symbolizes Hashem’s ongoing protection of Klal Yisrael, even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 10b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the miracles performed at the Red Sea, emphasizing God's power over nature.
📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the splitting of the Red Sea, illustrating the miraculous nature of the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 15:8 mean when it says 'the waters were piled up'?
A: This verse describes the miraculous splitting of the Red Sea during the Exodus from Egypt. According to Rashi, the phrase 'the waters were piled up' means that the waters stood upright like a solid wall by the power of Hashem's will, defying nature to save the Jewish people.
Q: Why is Exodus 15:8 important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is part of the 'Song of the Sea' (Shirat HaYam), which the Jewish people sang after crossing the Red Sea. It is a foundational moment in Jewish history, demonstrating Hashem's direct intervention to redeem His people. The Talmud (Sotah 30b) teaches that even the simplest among the Jewish people had divine inspiration when singing this song.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 15:8 today?
A: The verse teaches us about Hashem's unlimited power and His care for the Jewish people. The Midrash (Mechilta) explains that this miracle showed that nature itself changes when necessary to fulfill Hashem's will. Today, it reminds us to trust in Hashem even when facing seemingly impossible situations.
Q: How could the waters stand 'like a heap' as described in Exodus 15:8?
A: The Rambam explains that this was a supernatural miracle where Hashem temporarily altered the laws of nature. The phrase 'like a heap' (כמו נד) suggests the waters solidified in an unnatural, upright position - not flowing as normal water would. This emphasizes that it was clearly a divine act beyond natural explanation.
Q: What does 'the blast of Your nostrils' mean in Exodus 15:8?
A: This is a metaphorical expression describing Hashem's powerful intervention. Rashi explains that just as a person's breath comes forcefully from the nostrils, this represents Hashem's mighty power being directed to part the sea. It's important to note that Jewish tradition understands such anthropomorphic descriptions as metaphors to help humans understand divine actions.